Computer Test Administration (CTA) Support Services

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has a requirement for contractor support for Computer Test Administration (CTA) Support Services, in which there is a need for registering attorneys and agents to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Only registered practitioners are permitted to practice before the USPTO in patent matters. The patent bar exam evaluates knowledge of patent law, practice, and procedure.

Annually, the Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED) administers approximately 2400 computer-based exams and 400 review sessions. The CTA shall provide and maintain a minimum of 53 operational, geographically dispersed testing centers, with at least one testing center in each state of the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the District of Columbia. The testing centers shall have business hours that are convenient for the public.

CTA shall provide an acceptable method for candidates to schedule examinations and review sessions during normal business hours. The vendor is responsible for electronically providing the current list of authorized testing centers, electronically. The vendor is responsible for the operation of the testing center, including training and conduct of registration examination and review session proctors.

The CTA will have the ability to read and process exam eligibility and review eligibility files in the type and format generated by the USPTO systems and have the ability to generate exam results in the file type and format compatible with the USPTO system. This requirement has a minimum cyber security requirement as follows:

an ISO 270001 Information Security Management Standard audit report or the SOC 2 type II audit report completed within the last 12 months delivered to the government, at the time the proposal is due which is anticipated prior to April 1, 2024. Contractor must provide evidence of meeting requirements of aforementioned reports with minimal findings for either certificate. Reports are required initially with their written proposal and on an annual basis within 30 days of receiving a new or renewed certificate or upon written request b the USPTO.